Position: Forward
Born: 28.10.81
Club: Aston Villa

MIlan Baros has a reputation of being a lethal international finisher and the Czech Republic will hope he can live up to the billing in Germany.

The 'Ostravan Maradona' scored five times in the Czech's successful qualifying campaign, highlighting what a devastating weapon he can be for Karel Bruckner.

After being deemed surplus to requirements at Liverpool, Baros is thriving at Aston Villa and his role as the prominent hitman will ensure he hits the World Cup ground running.

Baros joined the red half of Merseyside in December 2001 from Banik Ostrava for £3.6million but had to wait until the following season to make his Premiership debut where he scored twice in the 3-2 victory over Bolton.

But after his relatively successful first full season, a broken ankle suffered at Blackburn forced him to spend a frustrating four months on the sidelines.

But Baros struck back with a vengeance as he gained full fitness in time for Euro 2004, where his scintillating form saw him crowned as the tournament's top scorer with five goals as the Czechs reached the semi-finals.

The 24-year-old opted to stay at Anfield despite rumoured interest from Barcelona but his struggles to find the net meant he was always battling for a place in the first eleven and last year's Champions League final proved to be his last game for the, Reds who sold him to Villa for £6.5million.

With a wicked shot, raw pace and an ability to be in the right place at the right time, Baros will be relied upon to score the goals and fire the Czechs to glory.